Does anyone remember this? Years ago, long before I had started writing about wine but had definitely developed a passion for it, I recall reading something disturbing in a leading wine magazine. The author of the article wrote something to the effect that Zinfandel would never be capable of producing a wine that would elicit…
Picture this scenario: You are in a college classroom, for the first time or later in life as a returning student. Now a step further, at your seating place sit six wine glasses each holding approximately an ounce of Petite Sirah. Yes, that inky, almost black, rich red wine that can turn your teeth purple…
Saturday, 20/04/2013, Solvang, California. Just another day we spoiled Southern Californians have come to expect. Moderate temps, just a whisper of a breeze, and cloudless sky set the stage for the Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival. 80+ wineries pouring high scoring reds and whites, restaurants serving some delectable treats, and an outstanding chocolatier. It’s simply…
A whopping 30 grams of fat scared me off, as did the white color that most bratwurst come in, even though fully cooked and frozen. But, I trust the Omaha Steaks brand as since I ordered a one year supply of filet mignon I had also sampled other items, like their version of pigs in…
Red wines from Germany? Isn’t it too cool there, even for Pinot Noir? Not at all. In fact German red wines and not only thriving, they are becoming very popular throughout the world. Back in the 1980’s, red grapes accounted for only 12 per cent of Germany’s vineyards. Today, that number exceeds 36 per cent….
The city of Stuttgart is unusual for a German city. The country’s sixth-largest city spreads across rolling hills, valleys, parks, and of course, vineyards. Long time friend and fellow sommelier, Liesel Braun and I have returned to this wonderful city after spending a few days traveling along the banks of the Mosel River, exploring the…
Wes Hagen is decidedly one of, if not the, most entertaining winemakers in the Santa Ynez valley. His vineyard tour is more of a wine class held amongst the vines between his home and Cathy and Steve Pepe’s home. From this one spot we could see the sheep grazing on the vegetables (“turning cover crop”)…
“I was totally dumbfounded by your call,” Elena Boiko, my longtime friend and fellow sommelier, smiled. “Gregory Alonzo willing to share his private bourbon stock with me?” she playfully teased. “I thought American men preferred to imbibe in bourbon and smoke cigars when they shared in man talk.” “Now when have you known me to…
Here is a wine that says romance or special occasion. We do not see people at wine parties lining up bottles of Champagne for all to savor throughout an evening at parties. However, it is quite often served at the beginning of a dinner party along with delicate appetizers to enhance everyone’s palate and prepare…
I don’t divulge when I’m away on a wine trip – lest you find your way to my house and my cellar keys – so this column is running either before or after I went to Santa Ynez for the weekend. Some of my plans include(d) many stops that readers suggested, visits with winemakers I’d…